Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Chairman welcomed those present. Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Foxton, who was unwell.
Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were made in respect of items on the agenda.
Public Participation
Mrs J. Fenner raised concerns on behalf of several parents about vehicles speeding along High Street outside the school at drop-off and pick-up times, and asked whether a 20mph limit could be considered. Mr R. Slater raised concerns about the condition of the swing chains on the playing field playground. The Chairman thanked both residents and confirmed both matters would be considered under the relevant agenda items.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2024 had been circulated. It was RESOLVED that they be approved as a true and accurate record and they were signed by the Chairman.
Matters Arising
None not otherwise covered on the agenda.
County and District Councillors' Reports
District Cllr Baxter reported on Averbury District Council's ongoing Local Plan review consultation and encouraged residents to respond before the closing date. Cllr Wetherby (Mereshire County Council) had sent her apologies and a short written report on the County's highways budget for the coming year, which was noted.
Planning
Application 25/00142/FUL – conversion of a redundant barn to two dwellings, Hollow Farm, Netherfield Road, was considered. Members expressed concern regarding the proposed vehicular access onto Netherfield Road close to a blind bend, and the resulting increase in traffic movements. It was RESOLVED that the Council object to the application on highway safety grounds and that the Clerk submit these comments to Averbury District Council before the consultation deadline of 28 January 2025.
Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £24,760.18 |
| Clerk's salary (January) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| Thornwick Village Hall – room hire | £15.00 |
| Parish newsletter – printing | £64.20 |
| Balance carried forward | £24,209.98 |
The bank reconciliation for December was tabled and checked by Cllr Whitfield against the bank statement, and signed as a true record.
Thornwick Village Hall – Roof
The Chairman reported that the Village Hall Management Committee had notified the Council of a leak in the main hall roof, discovered following recent heavy rain, which had caused staining to the ceiling below. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk obtain a minimum of three quotations for repair to bring to a future meeting.
Highways – Speed of Traffic on High Street
Following the concerns raised under item 3, and similar comments received by email over the Christmas period, it was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Mereshire County Council Highways requesting a formal speed survey on High Street and asking that consideration be given to a reduced speed limit or additional signage near the school.
Playing Field and Playground
Further to the concern raised at item 3 regarding the swing chains, the Clerk confirmed that the annual RoSPA safety inspection was already due in February and agreed to ask the inspector to attend as a matter of priority.
Correspondence
The Clerk noted receipt of a Public Path Diversion Order notice from Mereshire County Council relating to land at Poachers' Field, for information only; no comment was required from the Council.
Any Other Business
The Royal British Legion had queried reimbursement of the cost of the wreath laid at the 2024 Remembrance Sunday service; it was agreed the Clerk confirm the exact cost and bring the matter back for approval in February. The Clerk was asked to confirm a date in May for the Annual Parish Meeting.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 7.30pm, Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.04pm.
Signed (Chairman) Date: ____________________
Thornwick St Mary Parish Council — Clerk to the Council: Mrs L. Carrow — clerk@thornwickstmarypc-demo.org.uk — These minutes are draft until formally approved and signed at the next meeting of the Council.